As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can provide you with a detailed answer to your question about Canadian apple cider. In Canada, cider that is referred to as “hard cider” is indeed alcoholic. This distinction is made to differentiate it from non-alcoholic apple cider, also known as “sweet cider,” which is commonly enjoyed as a non-alcoholic beverage.
In Canada, there are regulations in place regarding the alcohol content of cider. According to these regulations, cider cannot contain less than 2.5% or over 13% absolute alcohol by volume. This means that Canadian apple cider falls within a specific range of alcohol content, ensuring that it is indeed an alcoholic beverage.
The term “hard cider” is often used in North America, including the United States and Canada, to distinguish alcoholic cider from the non-alcoholic variety. This naming convention helps consumers understand that the cider they are consuming contains alcohol, as opposed to the non-alcoholic version which is simply referred to as apple cider or sweet cider.
I have personally encountered and enjoyed Canadian apple cider during my career as a sommelier. The range of flavors and styles available in Canadian cider is quite diverse, offering a wide variety of taste experiences. Some ciders may be dry and crisp, while others may be sweeter and fruitier. The alcohol content can also vary, allowing for different levels of complexity and intensity in the cider.
It is worth noting that the alcohol content of Canadian apple cider is regulated to ensure consumer safety and to provide transparency in labeling. This allows individuals to make informed choices regarding their consumption of alcoholic beverages. The regulations help to maintain quality standards and ensure that cider producers adhere to specific guidelines when crafting their products.
To summarize, Canadian apple cider is indeed alcoholic and falls within a regulated range of alcohol content. The term “hard cider” is used to differentiate it from non-alcoholic apple cider or sweet cider. This distinction helps consumers understand that they are consuming an alcoholic beverage. Canadian cider offers a diverse range of flavors and styles, making it an exciting and enjoyable choice for cider enthusiasts.